A Million Broken Windows: The Magic and Mystique of Bombay Cricket - Makarand Waingankar

A masterfully told history of the grit, the maidans, and the legendary khadoos spirit that made Bombay the powerhouse of Indian cricket.

In A Million Broken Windows, veteran sports journalist and cricket administrator Dr. Makarand Waingankar delivers a definitive tribute to the city that was once entirely synonymous with cricket in India. This book is the ultimate chronicle of how a single city came to dominate the sport, capturing the vibrant ecosystem that birthed some of the world's greatest cricketing icons. From the chaotic gullies and historic, dusty maidans to the high-stakes pressure of the Wankhede and Brabourne stadiums, Waingankar breathes life into the golden eras of Bombay cricket.

Bombay's staggering record speaks for itself—lifting the prestigious Ranji Trophy an unparalleled 41 times. A Million Broken Windows dives deep into how this legacy was built. It explores the lives of the intuitive, exuberant players who redefined batting and bowling paradigms across continents and formats. But more than just the players, this book honors the unsung heroes: the legendary coaches who spotted raw talent in the rough, the visionaries who built world-class grassroots structures, and the passionate, relentless crowds that packed the stands weekday or weekend. Together, they forged a relentless, conquestorial yet generous sporting spirit where the joy of competing and pushing boundaries was never lost.

Rich with archival insights, locker-room anecdotes, and historical depth, this book is an essential read for every cricket purist, sports enthusiast, and anyone who wants to understand the heartbeat of the game in India.